Knicks Ex Johnny Egan Dies at 83

The Providence alum began his coaching career with the Houston Rockets.

The National Basketball Retired Players Association announced that Johnny Egan, formerly of the New York Knicks, passed away at the age of 83.

A native of Hartford, Conn., Egan played parts of three seasons with the Knicks and later became the head coach of the Houston Rockets. According to the Houston Chronicle, Egan died of a head injury suffered in a fall. 

During his 11-year career, Egan had his high-scoring season with the Knicks in 1964. The Providence alum, who led the Friars to an NIT title in 1961 at Madison Square Garden, averaged 14.1 points over 42 games in his first tour with the Knicks after playing for the Detroit Pistons. He was later one of three players dealt to the Baltimore Bullets for Walt Bellamy in 1965, and was later taken by both the Milwaukee Bucks and Cleveland Cavaliers in separate expansion drafts.

Egan was also part of the Los Angeles Lakers' run to the 1969 NBA Finals, where he was the fourth-leading postseason scorer behind Jerry West, Elgin Baylor and Wilt Chamberlain.

Egan's playing days ended with the San Diego/Houston Rockets and he would become the fourth head coach in franchise history in 1973. He helped guide the Rockets to their first-ever playoff series victory, ironically topping the Knicks in a best-of-three series in 1975 before falling to the Boston Celtics in five. In three seasons at the Houston helm, Egan amassed a 129-152 record.

The Rockets acknowledged Egan's contributions to the franchise in a statements posted on Twitter:

The Fertitta Family and the Houston Rockets organization are deeply saddened by the passing of former player and head coach John “Johnny” Egan, who was one of the original Houston Rockets. Johnny made Houston his home and was an active member in his community. pic.twitter.com/aUyWUAlE4x

— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) July 21, 2022

He remained involved in the Rockets family for five decades, continuing to participate in community and alumni events after his playing and coaching career. Johnny’s vibrant personality and kind spirit will be missed. Our condolences go out to his beloved family.

— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) July 21, 2022

Egan is survived by his two children John Jr. and Kim.